Hyung Hoo Kim

An adept Customer Service Engineer with a proven track record at Gigaphoton Korea, specializing in problem-solving and customer communication. With over 2 years of experience, I have developed a strong commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction. Based on these skills and experiences, I am eager to become a Customer Service Engineer at ASML, providing top-quality technical support.

[Motivation]
I believe that understanding the processes of equipment enables the ability to quickly resolve unforeseen issues. Improving operational rates and productivity without equipment downtime is an essential skill for a facility engineer. I applied for this position to grow as an engineer responsible for equipment in a specific process rather than just one piece of equipment.

During my time as a DUV light source equipment engineer, I encountered downtime due to issues unrelated to the equipment itself. After completing a chamber exchange, I encountered an output-related error during the scanner check. I developed a troubleshooting plan to resolve this:

1. Gas refill and performance check
2. Controller replacement
3. Additional chamber replacement
However, I faced difficulties in resolving the error. It turned out to be a communication issue with the scanner rather than within the equipment, which was resolved after exchanging the related module. This experience taught me the importance of looking beyond a single issue. I aspire to become an expert in a specific process rather than just a specialist in one piece of equipment. My experience as a DUV equipment engineer will greatly support my role as an ASML CSE.


[Growth Process]
"Growing as a Cycle of Positive Influence"
Although challenges arose during team projects, we achieved good results through encouragement rather than friction. In a basic materials experimental lecture, I observed the changes in microstructure of carbon steel and stainless steel based on heat treatment temperatures. One of my teammates was a transfer student who found the theoretical aspects and experimental equipment unfamiliar, making the experiments challenging. Due to unfamiliarity with the specimen's properties, the experiment had to be redone. I listened to my friend's concerns and explained the differences in properties between carbon steel and stainless steel, as well as why the experimental methods differ due to chemical etching and electro-etching. Initially, we were the team that lagged behind, but we finished with an A+ grade. Throughout this process, I realized that respect and consideration create positive results rather than criticism and urgency. Even in the face of discord, I learned that leadership based on communication and collaboration leads to growth. I aim to become a leader at ASML who prioritizes respect over friction, capable of achieving the best results regardless of the challenges faced.

"The Importance of Cost"
I participated in the STEEL CHALLENGE, designing processes with cost considerations in mind. During my undergraduate studies, I was impressed by the changes in material properties based on composition and heat treatment temperatures in steel-related courses. Wanting to gain practical experience as an engineer, I entered the STEEL CHALLENGE, a competition for alloy design simulations. I designed an alloy using an electric furnace with a target production cost of $425/t. Focusing only on composition, I found limitations in cost reduction. To address this, I studied the impact of each production stage on the electric furnace process and utilized the characteristics of by-products, such as slag, to achieve my target production cost. After the competition, I learned about cost reduction methods through reduced power consumption in the electric furnace by adding alloying elements that lower the melting point. This experience taught me that performance improvement and cost reduction are both critical skills for an engineer, and I aim to apply these lessons in future roles. I also have experience reducing costs through extended module usage as an engineer at a semiconductor equipment company. By considering the principles and characteristics of the equipment, I extended module usage. The KrF equipment showed more stable output data compared to the ArF equipment. I reviewed the data of modules nearing the end of their lifespan in the KrF equipment, taking into account the pressure of the operating chamber, which affects overall module lifespan. I was able to extend the lifespan by utilizing data below the critical pressure of 300 kPa based on a limit pressure of 360 kPa. As a result, I increased operational rates without downtime from replacement work and reduced module replacement costs. Building on these experiences, I aspire to be an ASML engineer contributing to cost reduction and productivity enhancement through equipment part management and improvements.

"Error Data Analysis"
By analyzing errors that occurred in the metallography group (FSS), I was able to learn about factors affecting corrosion resistance beyond just the plating layer. I studied the corrosion resistance of plated steel sheets based on their plating composition. I conducted microstructural analysis of Zn, Al-Zn alloy, and Mg-Al-Zn alloy plating layers while simultaneously performing salt spray tests to compare the effects of each plating structure on corrosion resistance. Although the same plating was used, differences in corrosion resistance were observed, which led me to conduct EDS analysis for plating composition. The analysis revealed a thin film primarily composed of Si on the plating layer. This indicated that a silane resin post-treatment process had been applied, and I learned about various post-treatment methods, including chromate and anodizing. Based on this experience, I aspire to be an ASML engineer who questions even minor errors in scanners and derives optimal solutions.


[Job Competencies]
I believe that a Customer Support Engineer must possess a deep understanding of equipment principles, along with the ability to enhance operational rates and performance through BM and PM.

"Preventive Maintenance"
I worked as an engineer in a semiconductor equipment company. During equipment monitoring, I discovered a machine with energy dispersion and rising chamber pressure. I determined that preventive maintenance (PM) could minimize downtime better than replacement.

1. Increased the voltage range controlling the chamber pressure
2. Reduced the F2 partial pressure controlling energy dispersion
3. If output reduction occurred due to F2 reduction, increased chamber pressure as a backup

This allowed me to stabilize the chamber pressure and energy dispersion data, enabling the equipment to run with minimal downtime. I aspire to be an ASML engineer who monitors 24-hour operating equipment and develops appropriate PM plans.

"Breakdown Maintenance"
During my internship, I analyzed the causes of problems and established prevention and solutions. I was responsible for production management at a stainless wire processing company. In the spring wire polishing process I oversaw, there was a significant rate of surface defects that caused the production line to stop. Given the characteristics of the equipment, it was determined that the defects stemmed from quality issues with the input intermediate wire, rather than the polishing process itself. I identified the deterioration of the continuous wire line mold as the issue. As a solution, I replaced the mold experiencing the highest load, resulting in a 10% reduction in defect rates. I identified process issues leading to improved quality and reduced defect rates.
I also analyzed the cause of equipment failure as an engineer at a semiconductor equipment company. One chamber experienced a reduction in F2 partial pressure, leading to downtime. Although this could indicate a defect in the utility controller controlling the partial pressure, I questioned why it had reached the limit pressure. After reviewing gas operation data, I determined that it was due to insufficient chamber output and resolved the issue through replacement. I aspire to be an ASML engineer who can propose optimal solutions even when equipment failures occur.